Coventry Road-- Where to Go When You're Feeling Old

In two weeks, it'll be one year since my grandmother died. One year since I decided to change my life, or maybe it was to live a carefree existence. Either way, it didn't exactly pan out the way I thought it would. What exactly did happen? I have moved out of my grandparents' house. It's up for rent, and I, in my late twenties, have moved back in with my mother and stepfather. I feel like I reversed head- first into high school and I am no longer the cool outcast that everyone wants to hang out with. I am almost an outcast to myself, if that makes any sense at all. Let's think of all the things I did in high school-- art class, photography, writing, hanging out on Coventry, going to concerts, and taking a stand for gay rights. Wow. I guess I haven't changed that much since high school and now I have the residence to prove it.

The only difference really is Coventry Road. I still hang out there every once in awhile. I am certainly old enough to drink, but the allure of that is fading. A couple of weekends ago, I went to Coventry after the Feast of the Assumption in Little Italy (it was amazing, like always). I make it to the patio of Panini's and it is packed, but I find that I know only a handful of people. The rest are all bright-faced kids that have barely made it past their 21st birthdays. Man, do I feel old.

I hung out on Coventry when I was in middle school, when there was the hippest Arabica coffee house on the corner and the Grog Shop was down the street, with shops like High Tide Rock Bottom that you could find just about anything. And I'm not saying that the street sucks now. It very clearly does not. It's just different. Age is a number, as they say, but time does change everything.

The Grog Shop is still an awesome place to hang, it's just a bit cleaner, and still has an unbelievable amount of up-and-comers and already established acts come through. The owner also did an awesome job with B-Side, having an array of people flock to it most nights of the week. Just last Sunday I went there when I thought all of Cleveland would be sleeping, I found that the closer the time ticked to Monday, the busier it got. Who knew that I would find a place pulsing with life at that hour? And one with such a cool vibe at that?

Bodega, on the other hand, has trouble getting you in the door. It has a New York City feel to it that keeps you there for the martinis, the exquisite tapas, and many nights a live jazz band. Where else in town are you going to find a bartender that will serve you a caprese salad or calamari at one in the morning? The problem is, the people are missing. Somehow, having it tucked away behind sheer curtains and a beautiful mystique makes it that people just walk past it without ever noticing the gem that lies within. Very few nights of the week have I seen it busy. I hope it'll pick up more business soon. Utrecht Art Supplies used to be in the same location that Bodega is in now, and has moved to the corner of the street, next to a tanning salon and laundromat. Utrecht seems to have made the right move. As a former art student, parking next to the store is crucial when you're walking out with large canvasses and heavy supplies.

Big Fun is still on Coventry, but in the old High Tide Rock Bottom spot. It's bigger and has even more stuff filling up the place! Big Fun kept it's same glorious aura of digging through piles to find your treasure and even more, they kept some of High Tide's splendor like the cards section that I always found to be amusing enough to keep me there for quite some time.

The Medic became a Marc's, which makes sense. There are a ton of apartment buildings and homes near the area, but there had been no grocery store. Grum's is still around making some great sandwiches. It has some competition with Jimmy John's, which is in a prime location-- the center of the strip of bars and is open late. I have a friend, whose dream was to open up a Jimmy John's on Coventry, and had his heart broken when someone beat him to the punch. He's happy to see it there, but still sad that it's not his. McNulty's and Panini's (especially after their addition of a patio) are still going strong, although to that 21-year-old crowd.

I'd rather keep this about the bar scene and searching for something when you're feeling a bit older than the college crowd but too young to hang with the real adults. But I can't talk about Coventry and not mention Tommy's. It's still the best restaurant around even after all of these years. This is the place where you can take the pickiest eater, vegan, meat and potatoes guy, gluten allergy, lactose intolerant, and every kind of person you can imagine, and STILL find something for everyone! The Coventry Village area is truly a magical place, where you can find something fantastic to eat at all hours. To talk about the restaurants on Coventry could take all night. Browse them at www.coventryvillage.org.

Honestly, I'm not really sure where I'm going with this entry. But check out Coventry again... even with an oldie point of view. You'll find yourself feeling like a kid again if you choose the right places, and an old fart when you choose the ones where you really are the oldest person to walk through. Don't you worry when that happens, you can just cross the street or go right next door, and there's a good chance that you'll find yourself feeling like you again. 

Don't Just Sit There. Go Out & Party!

Writing again... only 2 months later= a new record! :)

The first big snowstorm of the season has hit Chicago and soon part of it will hit Cleveland. It certainly felt windy enough today! With all the cold outside, the majority of people want to stay nice and warm. But face it, Cleveland, there are too many cocktail parties, grand openings, and get-togethers happening for you to be sitting around on the couch this month!

Friday, December 11, begins the first night of Chanukah. HAPPY CHANUKAH! With such a large Jewish community in Cleveland, there will be plenty to do and plenty to eat! This is a holiday celebrating the miracle of light by eating lots of delicious fried and fattening foods. The latke, or potato pancake, is the most famous of the yummy treats. You don't feel like frying up your own potato pancakes?! Good news! There are wonderful local east-side diners to choose from that will make them for you-- Corky & Lenny's (27091 Chagrin Blvd., Beachwood) and Jack's Deli & Restaurant (14490 Cedar Rd., University Heights) are hometown favorites. Stop in the brand new state-of-the-art Hillel Jewish Student Center building on Kent State's campus and I'm sure you'll be able to find plenty of latkes there. If you're aching for a Chanukah party where you can dress up, have some drinks, and dance, dance, dance, then group 2139-- a group for Jews in their 20s and 30s-- has the solution for you! "The 9th Night of Hanukkah Blow-Out!" is taking over the 2nd floor of the Velvet Dog (1280 W 6th, Cleveland) on Saturday, December 19 from 9:30pm until close. Go to www.jewglue.com to get on the guest list.

You may be the person who just doesn't want to wait until next weekend to get your party on. I have the perfect solution for you! Star Pop-- a vintage toy store that is making headlines in Cleveland as one of the coolest stores around-- is having it's grand opening party Saturday, December 12 from 6pm-10pm. The "who's who" of the up-and-coming Waterloo Arts District will be at 15813 Waterloo Rd. in Cleveland this Saturday. Will you?

After a great weekend, the long work week ahead of you seems daunting. Never fear! I have something extra special for you to look forward to Monday night. The Grog Shop (2785 Euclid Hts. Blvd., Cleveland Heights) will be presenting a Pure Romance Holiday Bash on Monday, December 14. The demo of products will take place from 8pm-9pm, but this is unlike any other Pure Romance party you've been to because men are invited to join in the fun too at 9:30pm-close. There will be prizes, drink specials, and plenty of holiday sales. You'll be able to get your lover, spouse, or friend exactly what they want for the holidays! You'll have the perfect gift on the 4th night of Chanukah and with plenty of time before Christmas. Preview the products at www.mayaziton.pureromance.com.

With all these parties and holiday shopping, don't forget to give some of your time. I know our schedules are packed, but find a couple of hours to give to those who are in need. A perfect place to volunteer this month is the Cleveland Food Bank (www.clevelandfoodbank.org). With the economic situation as it is, there are even more people who are in need of basic necessities. The Cleveland Food Bank does a great job at providing for those who need it.

Have a wonderful, busy month!

Fall in the City

Wow! Life really took over and I forgot all about blogging! 3 years later.... :)

The past 3 years have been a whirlwind in my life. Everything changed when my grandfather passed away in June of 2006. Then again, when my grandmother passed away last month. But now I'm at this odd point in my life, not sure the direction I'm headed in. Honestly, I don't know where I'm going to live, where I'm going to work, what I'm going to be doing in that job, or really anything! I do have a fun, awesome job right now as a Pure Romance Consultant (see my website), but that is part time for me. I'm looking for a career in... so many things, somewhere I can be creative and help people. But you better believe, I'm going to look in Cleveland!

My first cold of the season has taken over my body, which can mean only one thing... fall is in the air! Fall is one of the most wonderful times to be in this city! My friends and family that have moved away over the years cry about missing Cleveland the most during the changing of the leaves. You can see the ever-changing landscape just about anywhere. Choose any one of the many Metroparks and you'll feel like you're in a different world! If hiking the trails isn't your idea of a good time, you could go for a fall drive-- one I suggest is going down Mayfield Rd./322 towards Chesterland and be engulfed with red, yellow, orange, brown, and green leaves. While you're there, stop on over at Patterson's Farm and go apple picking, pick up some yummy apple fritters, homemade jam, and great pumpkins. Delicious!

While you're spending all of that time outside, start to think of what your Halloween costume is going to be! It's just around the corner! You're never too old to play dress up!

The Place to be is Cleveland

It's been several months since I've posted. Funny thing is... I just keep forgetting my password. There are too many things on the internet to remember: myspace, friendster, facebook, yahoo, gmail, flashmail, etc. Oy ve!
It has come to my attention that I am a Cleveland fanatic.. no, not the sports teams (not that I don't like the Browns, Cavs, or Indians)... just Cleveland, in general. There are so many things to do in this city! There is so much potential! I have travelled all over the world: New York City, Reykjavik, Tel Aviv, Florence, Paris, Brugge, San Diego, Fort Lauderdale, and on and on. And I've got to tell you, nowhere in the world is there another city quite like Cleveland-- the overlooked gem in the shitty state of Ohio.
You want examples? I am going to be bias. I am an East-Sider through and through. My favorite place to get lost, create art, walk my dog-- Lakeview Cemetery, the most beautiful, spiritual place around. There are plenty of places to enjoy yourself in the Cleveland Metroparks, Little Italy, or window shopping and/or bar hopping on Coventry Road. If we're talking about bars, let's add Lee Road, the random little no names on Mayfield Road, and yes, one West side location: the infamous West 6th. Any bars along these streets will satisfy whatever you are craving, from a little slut in heels to an old man hangout for Vietnam vets. You'll find it all.
I will get into more details later. But for now, get drunk and I will catch back with you later.

Cleveland Skinheads or Just People Who Like to be Dirty?

Last Thursday I went to the Coventry Road Street Fair. When I return to Coventry as a college graduate, I no longer feel sorry for my friends who still haven't bothered getting their GED and still sit at the corner. I really don't understand what they are doing with their lives, other than letting it pass them by. But the friends that I really don't understand are the Cleveland Skinheads.

I've known Chris since he was a freshman in high school. Chris was always looking for somewhere to belong. He found it in heavy metal, which is definitely fine by me because I love that music. But what became increasingly disturbing to me was that he didn't become his own person, he just became a replica of other Coventry kids who had no goals in life, but to sit on the corner and get fucked up.

Back to the street fair. As I walked past the corner, I heard my name being called, and when I turned, I saw Chris. He was in full skinhead gear: wife beater tank, tighter jeans rolled up, suspenders-- for no reason, and a big "C.S." tattooed on his arm: Cleveland Skinheads. Chris came over and gave me a big hug. He reeked like alcohol and sweat. He was being rude and obnoxious to all the strangers that passed by while we were having a conversation about his life, "SWEETHEART!," he yelled across the entire courtyard, "YOUR ASS CRACK IS SHOWING!!!" He tried picking fights with his friends sitting close by and was pretty much doing the drunken shuffle.

If Chris is a skinhead and he is my friend... then that would be an oxymoron. I am Jewish. Skinheads don't like the Jews, in fact, they despise us. They don't like blacks or homosexuals either. But I know for sure that Chris is friends with blacks, homosexuals, and other Jewish people. So what exactly is a skinhead? I believe that the Cleveland Skinheads represent a brotherhood for being poor and dirty, for being drunk and uninvolved with society.

I guess I will just have to accept Chris for who he is: a guy that likes the image of being a nobody, even though he is a somebody... and a guy who just doesn't like to bathe.

Sounds of the Underground

Was the headache, heat, and $37 less in your pocket for a 6 hour concert of hardcore and heavy metal worth it???? The answer, my friend... Yes. Sounds of the Underground is a first-year tour, picking up where Ozzfest is lacking-- smaller venue, re-admittance allowed, appreciative musicians, adoring fans, and something absolutely phenomenal, tables set up where kids can actually buy bands' merchandise for a reasonable price! Sounds of the Underground is filled with both newbies and geezers that know how to rock out. Take 'Gwar' for example: one of the most worthless musicians, but get them onstage, all geared up, and you're in for one of the best novelty acts of all times. They perform with larger than life penises and machines, spraying 'blood' across the audience countless times. As the debauchery reins on, the pit is a sea of red. What other tour this summer will do that for you?

I'll be honest with you, at some points I found myself in a deja vu state, repetition of the usual, "f*ck you! Justice justice! f*ck you!" But with acts like 'Everytime I Die,' 'Norma Jean,' and 'Opeth' changing up the pace, I couldn't help but be satisfied. My personal favorite, Jeffrey of 'Poison the Well,' not only screams, but can ACTUALLY sing!!! Melody was a wonderful treat during this very loud day of chants. At the end of the night, 'Chimaira' stole the 216 spirit-- Cleveland band, Cleveland kids, Cleveland charm.